Guild Starfire I SC

$441.00 to $649.99 Price Tier: Standard

2 Critic Reviews

Find out who is using Guild Starfire I SC

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Page last updated Jun 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated June 7, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (4)

$649.99

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5.0 (9)

$599.99

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4.3 (52)

$549.99

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5.0 (6)

$457.30 19 available New

$449.99 2 available Used

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3.8 (4)

$441.00

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Average Price: $525

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Guild Starfire I SC is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Guild Starfire I SC". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Guild Starfire I SC embodies the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern innovation. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is designed to resonate with musicians seeking an instrument that delivers both classic tones and versatile playability. The single-cut body, a hallmark of Guild's iconic design, features an arched center-block construction that enhances its airy, resonant quality while minimizing feedback during high-volume performances. This makes it an ideal choice for rock, blues, and even country genres.

Equipped with HB-2 alnico humbuckers, the Starfire I SC channels the timeless warmth and bite reminiscent of classic PAF pickups, making it a tonal powerhouse. The addition of push-pull pots offers the flexibility of single-coil tones, perfect for players who crave that distinctive cluck and spank. For those expressive moments, the Guild-branded vibrato bridge provides a dynamic range of textures, from subtle shimmers to dramatic dives.

With its refined finish and thoughtful detailing, the Guild Starfire I SC is not just an instrument—it's a statement piece that stands out both on stage and in a studio. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic weekend warrior, this guitar is engineered to inspire.

Key Features:

Semi-hollow, single-cut body construction
Arched center-block for enhanced resonance and reduced feedback
HB-2 alnico humbuckers with push-pull coil-splitting
Guild-branded vibrato bridge for expressive play
Classic Guild design with modern versatility

Product specs

Number of Strings	6
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Type	Semi-hollowbody
Body Shape	Starfire I SC
Body Material	Maple
Top Material	Arched Maple
Body Finish	Gloss Polyurethane
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Shape	Vintage Soft U
Neck Joint	Set Neck
Radius	12.5"
Fingerboard Inlay	Pearloid Dots
Number of Frets	20, Narrow Jumbo
Scale Length	24.75"
Nut Width	1.692"
Nut Material	Composite
Bridge/Tailpiece	Guild Tune-O-Matic. with Aluminum Guld Vibrato Tailpiece
Tuners	Guild Vintage Open Gear
Neck Pickup	Guild HB-2 Nickel Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	Guild HB-2 Nickel Humbucker
Controls	2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching	3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings	D'Addario,, .011-.049
Case/Gig Bag	Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Guild Starfire I SC suitable for?: The Guild Starfire I SC is versatile and well-suited for jazz, blues, and rock 'n' roll, thanks to its semi-hollow body design and warm, resonant tone.
What is the neck profile of the Guild Starfire I SC?: The Guild Starfire I SC features a vintage soft U neck profile, offering a comfortable grip that appeals to players who prefer a more substantial feel.
Does the Guild Starfire I SC come with a case or gig bag?: No, the Guild Starfire I SC does not include a case or gig bag; it must be purchased separately.
What pickups are installed in the Guild Starfire I SC?: The Guild Starfire I SC is equipped with Guild HB-2 Nickel Humbucker pickups, known for delivering a rich and balanced tone.
Is the Guild Starfire I SC suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Guild Starfire I SC is a great choice for beginners due to its comfortable playability and versatile sound, though its semi-hollow design may be more appreciated by players with some experience.

Videos

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Guild Guitars

Guild Starfire I Demo by RJ Ronquillo

Guild Guitars

Guild Starfire I SC | Great, Affordable Semi-Hollow for the Alternative Player

Alamo Music Center

2020 Guild Starfire I singlecut semihollow electric guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Testing Guild Starfire I SC on a vintage amp

Guitar Reality

Reviews

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PROS

Versatile sound with coil splitting for a range of tones
Eye-catching design with a beautiful cherry finish
Lightweight, making it comfortable for long sessions
Great value for money, comparable to more expensive brands
Quality Guild humbuckers with a bright, chimey voice
Excellent build quality for an affordable price range
Comes with a tremolo and coil splitting, rare in its price range
Acoustic-like resonance when unplugged
Good out-of-box setup with minor adjustments needed
Suitable for jazz, blues, indie, country, and more

CONS

Occasional interference from pickups due to inadequate shielding
Jack output can crackle and cut out, needs attention
Vintage tuners may require upgrading
Limited color options in single cut models
Some units reported with high action and buzzing issues
Strap nut placement may interfere with hand positioning
Needs a case purchase separately, wide design limits options

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Guild Starfire I SC.

Build quality

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Owners appreciate the Guild Starfire I SC's fretwork, noting that it feels nicer compared to similar Gretsch models.
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The Starfire IV model has been noted for its unique combination of Starfire IV binding and Starfire V inlays, indicating a distinctive aesthetic choice.
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User experience

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Players highlight the guitar's playability and form factor, which they find particularly appealing compared to other guitars in its price range.
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Features and functionality

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The knob and selector setup of the Starfire I SC is mentioned as a standout feature, contributing to its overall appeal.
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The current Guild models are produced under the supervision of Ren Ferguson, known for his work with Gibson Acoustic, suggesting enhanced build quality and attention to detail.
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Single roller Bigsby models are noted for their smoother and looser feel compared to dual roller versions.
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Use cases and applications

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The sound quality is described as lovely, suggesting suitability for players seeking a rich tonal experience from a semi-hollowbody guitar.
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Starfire guitars have a history of usage by notable musicians like Jerry Garcia and Buddy Guy, emphasizing their suitability for blues and rock styles.
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Comparisons

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A Starfire owner prefers its pickups over those in a Gibson 335, highlighting the Guild's ability to stand its ground against higher-end models.
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Guild Starfire pickups are compared to Filtertron and Goldfoil types, appealing to players who favor those tonal characteristics.
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Setup and maintenance

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The Bigsby system functions best as a complete unit; single roller models offer smoother action but require higher neck angles.
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Mods and upgrades

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Bricks BiggsFix is recommended to lift the roller on dual roller Bigsby models for improved performance.
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Critic Reviews

Guild Starfire I DC and I SC GVT review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Guild's Starfire I DC and SC models capture vintage charm while delivering solid performance at an affordable price. These guitars boast a nice build, good weight, and a classic voice with coil-splits that enhance versatility. However, they may require some attention to setup for optimal playability, and the SC's striking color might not be for everyone. While the DC might feel a bit generic, it still offers a competent sound experience, making these instruments worthy contenders for jazz, blues, and rock enthusiasts alike. Overall, Guild has crafted a commendable entry-level option that balances classic aesthetics with modern functionality.

positive

Full Review

Guild Guitars Starfire I SC Review – Guitars For Idiots

guitarsforidiots.com

The Guild Starfire I SC is a stylish hollowbody that impresses with its versatile sound and comfortable neck, making it a solid choice for gigging musicians. However, tuning stability is a notable drawback, with tuners that feel less reliable than expected. While it shines in a range of genres, from jazz to punk, its tone lacks the resonance of its Jetstar counterpart. Despite minor finish imperfections, the construction quality holds up well for the price. With an attractive aesthetic and decent performance, it offers good value, especially for those new to hollowbodies. Ultimately, this guitar proves to be a commendable option, but players should be aware of its quirks.

positive

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Artist usage

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Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock)

Singer, Guitarist

Beastie Boys

Verified via Photo

Adam Horovitz, also known as Ad-Rock, is confirmed to use the Guild Starfire I SC, identifiable in a provided image where he is seen playing the instrument. The distinctive features of this semi-hollowbody electric guitar, such as its pickups, pickguard, and sunburst color, firmly establish its identification as a Guild Starfire I SC.